The Olympics are more than just a sporting event; they are a global phenomenon that captures the attention and imagination of people around the world. The Games have the power to spark interest and drive growth not only in the sports themselves but also in the world of collectibles. The crossover appeal of the Olympics, bringing together fans of various sports and even attracting non-sports enthusiasts, creates a unique opportunity to boost demand for memorabilia and collectible items.
One striking example of this phenomenon is the impact that the Olympics had on basketball. The men’s gold-medal game between the U.S. and France drew an average of 19.5 million viewers in the U.S., surpassing the viewership of the most recent NBA Finals. Similarly, the women’s gold-medal game garnered 7.8 million viewers in the U.S., a significant increase compared to the average viewership of the WNBA Finals. This surge in viewership not only highlights the immense popularity of the Olympics but also demonstrates the potential for long-term growth in fan engagement and collecting interest.
Looking back at the 2024 Olympics, it is evident that certain athletes experienced a surge in collector interest. Among the most searched Team USA men’s basketball players on eBay were LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, and Steph Curry. While James and Curry’s presence in this list is expected given their legendary status, the inclusion of Edwards, a rising young star, is noteworthy. The performance of these players during the Olympics directly impacted the prices and demand for their collectible items, underscoring the influence of major sporting events on the collector market.
Steph Curry (left) and Anthony Edwards after receiving their gold medals. (Photo: DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images)
On the women’s side, players like Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, and Kelsey Plum garnered significant collector interest. The success of these athletes in the Olympics translated into heightened demand for their memorabilia and trading cards. Despite Taurasi’s limited playing time, her record-breaking achievement and contribution to Team USA’s victory sparked interest among collectors. Interestingly, the absence of A’ja Wilson, an MVP contender, suggests potential undervaluation in the collector market, highlighting the complexity of predicting long-term value in sports collectibles.
Furthermore, the Olympics proved to be a boon for women’s sports collectibles, with athletes like Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles commanding high prices for their autographed items and memorabilia. The success of lesser-known athletes like Ilona Maher in niche sports such as rugby also underscored the broad appeal of Olympic collectibles beyond traditional sports.
Assessing the long-term value of Olympic athletes, especially those in less mainstream sports, presents unique challenges. While established stars like Ledecky and Biles may maintain their value due to their iconic status, lesser-known athletes like Maher face uncertainties in sustaining collector interest. However, the allure of one-of-a-kind items and the sentimental value attached to Olympic memorabilia can transcend traditional market trends.
The impact of the Olympics was not limited to athletes but extended to non-athletic figures like Snoop Dogg, whose custom Olympic pins went viral, showcasing the intersection of sports and pop culture in the collector market. The surge in searches for Snoop Dogg pins exemplifies the diverse range of collectibles that attract enthusiasts, bridging the gap between sports memorabilia and cultural artifacts.
Industry views
As The Athletic delves into the world of collectibles, insights from industry experts shed light on the evolving landscape of the hobby. Adam Ireland, eBay’s vice president and general manager of global collectibles, emphasizes the dynamic nature of collectibles, with trading cards, vintage electronics, and pop culture items gaining popularity among collectors.
Chad Ochocinco draws a crowd to an eBay Live broadcast at The National. (Photo courtesy of eBay)
Trading card games, in particular, are driving significant interest in the collectibles market, with franchises like Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering attracting a diverse audience of collectors. Ireland’s optimism about the future of collectibles is echoed by the success of platforms like eBay and the recent Netflix series “King of Collectibles,” which aims to broaden public awareness and appreciation for the hobby.
As the collectibles landscape continues to evolve, the Olympic Games serve as a catalyst for bridging sports and non-sports collectibles, appealing to a wide range of enthusiasts and collectors. The intersection of nostalgia, cultural relevance, and market trends creates a dynamic environment for collectors to explore and invest in unique and valuable items.
(Top photo: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
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